The Ram 3500 may be built to work, but there’s no shortage of pleasing features. With multiple engine, transmission, and suspension options, it’s no wonder the 3500 impresses.
TALK ABOUT BIG-BONED
Designed with a 50-ksi hydroformed steel frame—which incorporates additional crossmembers for strength and mass efficiency—and hydroformed front and rear rail contours, you’re looking at a strong, impressive workhorse. According to Ram, the 3500’s innovative three-link front suspension is developed for both the 2WD and 4WD models.
“With a wide frame and a large stabilized bar, the three-link front suspension utilizes more outwardly positioned springs and stronger shocks to help give the driver a cushioned ride, especially when hauling a heavy payload,” according to Ram. “Dual rear wheel models include separate auxiliary leaves as part of the spring package. The leaf springs incorporate higher second- and third-stage rates, exceptional rear handling, and high payloads.”
The Class-Exclusive available rear air suspension ensures level loads no matter the cargo or terrain. With the push of a button, the driver can select from two smart ride height selections—Normal and Alternate Ride Height—for better alignment with a trailer with automatic electronic adjustments to maintain a level load. And, within the frame-mounted compressor, tank, and lines, it’s all done in relative silence.”
Featured Image: 2017 Ram 3500 Laramie Crew Cab 4×4 Dually Heavy-Duty.
Above: The Ram 3500 is born from rigorous quality testing and decades of engineering for the extreme.
POWER TO PERFORM
The standard engine in the Ram 3500 is the 5.7-liter HEMI V8 with Variable Valve Timing (VVT), providing 383 hp and 400 lb-ft of torque. Aluminum cylinder heads with spherical combustion chambers offer outstanding airflow, leading to impressive power and torque, while the VVT provides optimal torque over a large rpm range.
The available 6.4-liter HEMI V8 engine with Fuel Saver Technology (FST) provides 410 hp and 429 lb-ft of torque. The FST shuts down four cylinders when cruising or driving downhill under light loads, optimizing efficiency without sacrificing power. This engine utilizes two spark plugs per cylinder, increasing peak power and torque, reducing exhaust emissions, and increasing efficiency.
The available 6.7-liter Cummins® Turbo Diesel I6 engine—when paired with the available Aisin AS69RC 6-speed automatic transmission—is a High-Output engine providing 385 hp and 900 lb-ft of torque. This engine/transmission combo is perfectly designed for heavy-hauling. Incorporating the class-exclusive engine braking technology, the engine brake uses a variable nozzle on the turbo to maintain smooth, less aggressive braking for vehicle stability and reduced wear on the disc brakes.
Available transmissions include:
- The electronically controlled 68RFE 6-speed automatic transmission, which combines optimized gear ratios for responsive performance and state-of-the-art efficiency. This sophisticated, multirange transmission is one of two available automatic transmission choices on the 6.7-liter Cummins Turbo Diesel I6 engine.
- The G56 6-speed manual transmission, which is modified for increased torque load of the base-output diesel engine. This transmission is outfitted with a wear-compensating clutch for like-new clutch pedal performance throughout the life of the drivetrain and is only available with the 6.7-liter Cummins turbo Diesel I6 engine.
- The Aisin AS69RC 6-speed automatic transmission, which is an electronically controlled automatic rear-wheel drive transmission designed to handle higher engine output and increase vehicle weight ratings. The Aisin AS69RC utilizes wide overall gear ratios for enhanced drivability.
The comfortable interior provides everything your drivers need in a mobile workspace.
TOW/HAUL
Ram HD trucks are made to tow the equipment you need to get the job done. “Ram Heavy Duty trucks are specially engineered with a tow/haul mode feature that includes a more aggressive downshift schedule for meeting hauling demands and works seamlessly with the available Cummins Smart Diesel Exhaust Brake system,” according to Ram.
Ram 3500 offers available factory-installed rear axle structural crossmember—seamlessly connecting the trailer to the frame—and is built with provisions for a fifth wheel and gooseneck hitch. “To ensure a clean electrical connection, we include a seven-pin connector inside the truck bed for wiring hookups. And with Electronic Stability Control (ESC) standard on all Ram 3500 trucks, your trailer and truck work together as one heavy-duty hauling machine,” according to Ram.
With the standard bumper-integrated trailer harness connector, you can safely and securely connect a trailer’s electrical system, while heavy-duty hooks—directly mounted to the frame—offer a solid grip to accommodate jobs that require heavyweight pulling.
“The available upfitter interface module comes with a variety of inputs and outputs, creating a simple and secure way to connect any number of external features, such as plows and tow lights, to your vehicle’s electrical system and control center,” according to Ram.
PROVEN AND BACKED
“The Ram 3500 is born from rigorous quality testing and decades of engineering for the extreme. We put our Ram Heavy-Duty models through upwards of 40,000 hours of intense vehicle testing in the harshest scenarios on and off the road,” according to Ram.
Ram backs its diesel-powered trucks with a five-year/100,000-mile Diesel Powertrain Limited Warranty and gas-powered trucks with a five-Year/60,000-mile Powertrain Limited Warranty.
FOR MORE INFORMATION:
Find out more about the Ram 3500 and other Ram Commercial products and services, visit www.ramtrucks.com.
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MODERN WORKTRUCK SOLUTIONS: OCTOBER 2016 ISSUE
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